The government still has to give the green light for the expansion of Lelystad airport, but contracts for the first phase have already been put out to tender, the Financieele Dagblad says on Thursday.

The closing date for offers to develop and maintain the runway, access roads and car park closed on February 16, economic affairs ministry documents show. The first phase is expected to cost around €58m, the FD says.

Junior infrastructure minister Wilma Mansveld is expected to take a final decision on the expansion plans in April.

Lelystad Airport is owned by the Schiphol group and has been earmarked as a new base for charter flights. Schiphol itself wants to concentrate on more lucrative business and transit passengers.